Question

should i keep my baby?

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I'm 15 years old, and pregnant. My periods were often irregular, so when i didnt get mine i didn't think much of it. When returning from vacation after not seeing my mom for a week, she was shocked to see how different my body looked and she thought i was pregnant. Turns out i was and at that point, having a baby was no option. We scheduled an abortion, only to find out after getting a sonogram there, that i was 26 weeks and the procedure was only being preformed in Kansas. We came to the decision that i was going to keep the baby, and my WHOLE family has been completely supportive. Throwing baby showers, buying diapers, registering, the whole nine yards. I thought i could do this and i had no doubts but now i am starting to second guess myself. I have all the love and support in the world to make this work, but me.. im just a baby. Am i ready to have a baby, and raise it for the rest of her and my life? please, help.

Mom Answers

wow. That's really great that everyone is so supportive, alot of pregnant teens don't have that. I was sixteen when I found out I was pregnant for the first time, My father tried to force an abortion, I refused and now have a beautiful 4 year old son. My point is that the descision is tottaly up to you. You don't have to keep the baby if you aren't ready. There are Caring parents that would love to adopt a healthy baby. Having a baby will change everything, but that doesn't mean you can't do it. The most important thing you can do is stay in school. Independant study, or continuation school, some even have daycares. Consider--Can you give her a life she deserves? Can you support her, care for her, and be responsible, or do you feel as if your parents and family would be raising her? Are you ready to put someones elses needs above your own for the next 18 years? If you are or aren't either way is OK. Think about what YOU want, not any one else.

i'm 16 and pregnant. I am in the process of an open adoption. I don't think im ready to be a mom when i still want to be a kid, stay up all night with my friends and whatnot. I'd never be able to do that with having to take care of a baby. I'd be trading staying up all night w/ friends to late night feedings and changings, etc. Open adoption is the best for me, and for my baby boy. I have involved the family as much as possible, for the doc. appointments (but no intimate med. procedures or when i talk to the doc about my concerns) They are really nice and super excited. I'm glad to give them such a beautiful gift. They are prepared and ready, a young couple who is established and in flexible careers. Adoption is a wonderful option but in the end, only you can decide what is best for you, but more importantly, your baby. Think about the effects on your education and the rest of your life.

I had my daughter when I was 20 and I was very scared and nervous, but my family supported me and helped me alot, because my daughter's father was in the Military oversea's, so he wasn't around to help me the first year of her life and I won't lie, it was hard. But she is the best thing that has ever happened to me. She will be 5 in a couple of weeks and I wouldn't change anything about my life. That little girl is my world and in about 4 weeks I will be having a little boy too. So while it is very hard to raise a child, even for an adult, it is wonderful. If you feel like you can't do this, then that is okay becuase there are some wonderful people out there who can't have children that would love to adopt. Whatever your desicion, make sure it is the right one for you. Goodluck!!!!!

i was 17 teen years old when i had my first baby, i was scared , and felt the same way, but my mom wasnt around so i dint have the support like you do, avery thing will be okay a baby is wonderful joy!!! but also hard but you can do it, i went to school, gradute and took care of my baby. you have a family to help you, just finish going to school.

Look into adoption so that you have more information.You have your whole life ahead of you and you don't want to resent your baby for "taking" that from you or your mother and family for helping raise the child if you don't agree with how they do it.However, once you have and hold that baby you may feel as though you can't give it up.I had my first at 26 and cannot even fathom having had a baby at 15. Think long and hard: up at night, diapers, potty training, school meetings, temper tantrums,looks from outsiders. Rocking your baby to bed at 8 vs out with friends. Kissing your child's boo boos vs a first kiss from a new boyfriend.Late night talks with friends on the phone vs going to bed early to get up and take your child to school. You will lose your teen and early adult years. When you are 25 your child will be 10.There are lots of infertile couples who would love to provide a home for your baby.You won't have much in common w/ your current friends. But ultimately it is your choice!

im seventeen and im pregnant too. i know exactly what your going through and believe me its a very big step for anyone teen or adult. im glad to hear your not having an abortion but if you dont think you can handle the baby then i personally suggest that you look into adoption. but just remember its not the end of your life.im still in school and im going to graduate and after im going to college and im going to do this the best way i can. you may have second thoughts now but later you may feel completely different about it. and having family support helps alot so try to keep posiitive and everything will work itself out

Adoption is a wonderful opportunity for a child to be raised by a mom and dad that desperately want a child and are not able to have one. Go to the Christian Homes of Abiline and look at their website. You will give this child opportunities that you will NEVER be able to provide at this point in your life. You can have more children when you are older and better able to provide for him/her in all aspects -- emotionally, financially, more mature, etc. It is definitely an option that is mutually beneficial for all involved.

Adoption would ensure your baby gets a loving traditional family who have the means to raise your child with many advantages. It may be the more difficult choice but at 15 no one is ready for that kind of responsibility especially without a strong, mature father/partner by your side.

Nothing compares to the love you will have for your baby and the love they will have for you. I do not think you will regret keeping your baby, especially if you have such a great support system. They are worth every bit of hard work. Whether you can conceive it or not, your two lives are intertwined. It is not about her life and your life, it is about your lives with each other. Trust me, your baby will be your best friend and the greatest love of your life.

It is impossible for others to know what is best for you. It is, as you can see, even impossible for yourself to know it for sure. Since you are lucky to have the support of your family, consult with them, express your worries and concerns about the baby upbringing and see if your family will commit to helping you. If you cannot secure a satisfactory commitment for your baby (be it from yourself or your family) consider all the a doption options. There are so many families that do want to adopt. Consult with the entities that govern adoption procedures in your state.

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